Paper 1: Format

The focus of Paper 1 is "the core" - that is, the three approaches that are the foundation of the IB
Psychology curriculum.

Paper 1 consists of three short answer questions [SAQs]. There is one question from each
approach. Students must answer all three of these questions. The assessment focus is on
knowledge and understanding. The SAQs use the command terms outline, describe and explain.
Each SAQ is worth 9 marks.

SAQs are not set from HL extensions.

Part B of Paper 1 is an essay or extended response question [ERQ}. Students are given three
ERQs to choose from - one from each of the approaches. For HL students, at least one of the ERQs
will be from an HL extension of the core. The assessment criteria are knowledge and
understanding, critical thinking and organization. The ERQ is worth 22 marks.

Students have two hours to write the full exam. The total marks for Paper 1 is 49 marks.

The Biological approach

In order to discuss the way that questions are asked on the exam, we will use the biological
approach as a model.

Before we look at the table below, remember that there are two general learning outcomes that may
be assessed:

 the contribution of research methods used in the biological approach to understanding

human
behaviour
 ethical considerations in the investigation of the biological approach to understanding human
behaviour

On Paper 1, the guidance column may not be assessed. In essence, you could ignore that column
while developing your course. The first two columns are what is important for us.

Topic Content

Brain and behaviour

Techniques used to study the brain in relation to behaviour

Localization
 Neuroplasticity

Neurotransmitters and their effect on behaviour

Hormones and behaviour Hormones and behaviour

Pheromones and behaviour

Genes and behaviour

Genetics and behaviour
Genetic similarities

Evolutionary explanations of behaviour

The value of animal models in psychology research.

HL Extension: Animal
research Whether animal research can provide insight into human
behaviour.

Ethical considerations in animal research

SAQs
In the SAQs, students must use one piece of research to answer the question. The questions come
from the "content" column of the guide - with one exception. If it is one of the general questions,
then it comes from the topic column.

Valid SAQs

1. Explain one technique used to study the brain in relationship to behaviour making use of one
study.
2. Describe one study of the effect of one hormone on behaviour.
3. Explain one evolutionary explanation of one behaviour.
4. Explain the contribution of one research method used in the biological approach to
understanding genes and behaviour.
5. Explain one ethical consideration in the study of the brain and behaviour.

The following types of questions may not be asked.

1. Explain one ethical consideration in the study of neuroplasticty.

2. Describe the contribution of one research method used in the biological approach to
understand pheromones and behaviour.
ERQs
ERQs use the command terms contrast, discuss, evaluate and to what extent.

The questions will be asked in the same manner as the SAQs.

Valid ERQs

1. Evaluate techniques used to study the brain in relationship to behaviour making use of one
study.
2. Discuss research on the effect of hormones on behaviour.
3. To what extent do genes affect behaviour?
4. Discuss the contribution of one research method used in the biological approach to
understanding genes and behaviour.
5. Discuss ethical considerations in the study of the brain and behaviour.

The following types of questions may not be asked.

1. Discuss ethical considerations in the study of neuroplasticty.

2. Evaluate the contribution of one research method used in the biological approach to
understand pheromones and behaviour.

The HL Extension
One, two or all three of the questions on Paper 1b will be an extension question.

The questions that appear in the second column are linked to the topic in the first. Therefore, the
following types of questions may be asked:

 Discuss the value of animal models in the study of the brain and behaviour.
 Discuss whether animal research can provide insight into behaviour.
 Discuss ethical considerations in animal research.